A MAN from Milford Haven has been jailed after exposing himself to a woman and sending her grossly offensive sexual messages.

Uwen Watts, aged 20, of Coombs Drive, Milford Haven, committed the offences on the same day in February this year.

The court heard that Watts sent the woman links to pornographic material before exposing his genitals to her. He was naked from the waist down during the incident.

In mitigation, defence barrister David Singh told the court that Watts had taken Valium on the day of the offences, which he said contributed to his behaviour.

Passing sentence, Judge Huw Rees condemned the conduct in strong terms.

Addressing Watts directly, Judge Rees said: “These are disgusting offences and you should be hanging your head in shame. You tried to seduce this woman sexually. She was vulnerable.”

The judge said the offending would have caused a “deep, if not long-lasting, effect” on the victim and told the court there was “no alternative” but to impose an immediate custodial sentence.

Watts was sentenced to a total of 29 weeks in prison.

He will also be subject to notification requirements under the Sex Offenders Register for a period of ten years.

Community, education, sport and fishing leaders from across Dyfed awarded MBEs

SEVERAL figures whose work has benefited communities across West Wales have been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours, with a number of MBEs awarded for long-standing service in fields ranging from fishing and education to sport and voluntary work.

Among those honoured is Timothy James Lloyd Evans, who has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to fishing. Based in the Cardigan area, Mr Evans is Chief Executive of the Welsh Fishermen’s Association and has played a key role in representing the interests of commercial fishermen across Wales, including those operating from Pembrokeshire ports such as Milford Haven and Fishguard.

Caroline Ann Wilson, from Carmarthen, has also been awarded an MBE for services to the community in Dyfed. Her work has supported local people across West Wales, reflecting a long-term commitment to voluntary and community service.

Another recipient is Lynne Frances Vickers Mansfield, from the Llandysul area, who has been recognised with an MBE for services to Girlguiding. Her contribution has supported young people across West Wales through leadership, volunteering and youth development.

Former education chief Evan David Gareth Morgans has been honoured with an MBE for services to education and to the Dolen Cymru Lesotho Charity. Mr Morgans, who was previously Director of Education and Children’s Services in Carmarthenshire, has been involved in regional education leadership and international charitable work linked to schools and communities across West Wales.

Also recognised is David Stephen Perks, from Carmarthen, who has been awarded an MBE for services to athletics. His work in the sport has supported athletes and clubs across the Dyfed area, including within Pembrokeshire.

The honours highlight the breadth of work being carried out across West Wales, with recipients recognised for sustained contributions to public service, sport, education, youth development and the maritime economy.

Police operation dismantled 65 cannabis farms and seized £17.8m worth of drugs

DYFED-POWYS POLICE’S sustained crackdown on organised crime has been recognised at a national level after Operation Scotney won the organised crime category at the Wales Safer Communities Awards 2025.

The award recognises the scale and impact of work carried out by officers, staff and volunteers to tackle cannabis factories linked to organised crime groups operating across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Powys.

Since its launch, Operation Scotney has led to the seizure of an estimated £17.8 million worth of cannabis, with 65 cannabis farms dismantled across the force area. A total of 35 arrests have been made, targeting those involved in the cultivation, supply and management of illegal drugs operations.

Police say a number of the cannabis farms uncovered were located in residential properties, including houses, flats and commercial premises, often in otherwise quiet neighbourhoods. Such sites are frequently linked to wider criminal activity, including human trafficking, modern slavery, money laundering and violent crime.

Officers have repeatedly warned that cannabis factories pose serious risks to the public. Properties are often dangerously altered with illegal electrical connections, significantly increasing the risk of fires, explosions and flooding. Neighbouring homes can also be placed at risk without residents realising what is taking place next door.

Alongside enforcement activity, Operation Scotney has placed a strong emphasis on prevention and safeguarding. As part of the operation, police and partner agencies have educated more than 25,000 children and young people across mid and west Wales about drug harm, criminal exploitation and the methods used by organised crime groups to groom and control vulnerable individuals.

Police say young people can be targeted with promises of money, protection or a sense of belonging, before being drawn into criminal activity that can have long-term consequences for their safety, wellbeing and future prospects.

Dyfed-Powys Police credited the success of Operation Scotney to a coordinated, force-wide approach involving Neighbourhood Policing Teams, the Serious Organised Crime Team, detectives and Police Cadets, alongside vital intelligence provided by members of the public.

Community reports have played a crucial role in identifying suspect properties, with police urging residents to remain vigilant and report signs such as covered or blacked-out windows, strong smells, excessive heat, constant fan noise, or properties that appear occupied but are rarely accessed in a normal way.

The force said the award recognises the collective effort behind the operation and reflects an ongoing commitment to disrupt organised crime networks, protect local communities and safeguard vulnerable people across Pembrokeshire and the wider Dyfed-Powys area.

Police have confirmed that Operation Scotney remains ongoing, with further enforcement activity, intelligence-led operations and education work planned as part of their long-term strategy to tackle organised crime and drug-related harm in west Wales.